Lyon will host the Red Devils at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais on April 10, 2025, needing a win to take a crucial first-leg advantage in their UEFA Europa League quarter-final clash. Africa Foot expert Bill Eshun looks into the upcoming match and provides his prediction.Â
Key Facts
- The two teams last met on a European stage 17 years ago.
- Manchester United are unbeaten in the first leg of their last 11 major European knockout ties (W5, D6).
Match Overview
Lyon are aiming to end their struggles against English opposition, having won just one of their last 10 home games against Premier League sides. However, with Manchester United enduring a tough domestic season, Les Gones will feel there’s an opportunity.
Much of Lyon’s attacking threat will fall on Rayan Cherki, who has been instrumental in their European campaign so far. The young playmaker has assisted eight of the team’s 23 goals in the competition, and his creativity will be key in unlocking a shaky United defence.
Lyon to Miss Services of Nuamah
Lyon have suffered a major setback with the loss of Ghanaian winger Ernest Nuamah, who sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in their previous Ligue 1 outing. The injury rules him out for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
Before his injury, Nuamah was in red-hot form, scoring in Ligue 1 before the international break and adding another goal for Ghana in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. His dynamism and pace will be sorely missed in what could have been a game-changing role against Manchester United.
Head-to-Head Matches
- Manchester United 1-0 Lyon
- Manchester United 1-0 Lyon
- Lyon 1-1 Manchester United
- Manchester United 2-1 Lyon
- Lyon 2-2 Manchester United
Lyon are winless in their last five meetings with Manchester United, losing three of those matches.
Betting Odds (1xBet)
- Lyon to win – 2.59
- Manchester United to win – 2.87
- Draw – 3.56
Prediction
This is likely to be a tightly contested game. Lyon will hope to use their home advantage, despite missing key personnel, to snatch a narrow first-leg victory. United’s European pedigree is unquestionable, but their current form leaves them vulnerable.
Scoreline Prediction: Lyon 1-0 Manchester United
